Skull found in Taal Lake as search for missing sabungeros continues — Remulla
- A human skull was discovered in Taal Lake by the Philippine Coast Guard, potentially linked to the case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla
- Remulla said dental records could help identify the skull, which still had upper teeth attached, while DNA testing by the PNP will also be conducted despite taking more time
- The skull was found in a location identified by whistleblower Julie Patidongan, whose testimony described the site as a dumping ground for murder victims, possibly linked to crimes beyond the sabungeros’ case
- A police official from the PNP’s CIDG was relieved from his post for allegedly orchestrating a smear campaign against Patidongan, including attempts to coerce families into naming him as the mastermind
MAKI-TINGIN KA NAMAN: Pwede ka nang mag-comment sa mga artikulo ng KAMI! Subukan mo, madali lang!
The Philippine Coast Guard recovered a human skull in Taal Lake, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Wednesday, as authorities continue the search for dozens of missing cockfighting enthusiasts, known as sabungeros.
Source: Facebook
Remulla said the discovery could be a significant lead in the long-running investigation.
“Andoon ang ngipin eh, may ngipin na kasama. Hindi ko lang alam kung kasama iyong panga, iyong lower jaw. Pero yung upper teeth kasama so baka sakali, baka sakaling may makuha tayo,” he stated, noting that dental records could expedite the identification process.
While DNA testing by the Philippine National Police (PNP) will also be conducted, Remulla acknowledged that the process could take longer.
Like and share our Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Share your thoughts in the comments. We love reading them!
The skull was found in a location pinpointed through the statements of whistleblower Julie Patidongan.
“Talagang makikita mo talaga reliable ang sinasabi ng ating testigo na doon nga tinatambak, tinatapon o dinidispatsa ang mga labi ng mga taong pinapatay,” Remulla said.
He added that other crimes, not just related to cockfighting, may surface in the area, hinting at possible connections to drug war killings and death squad activities.
Remulla confirmed that a police official from the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) had been relieved from duty following involvement in a smear campaign against Patidongan.
Families of the missing sabungeros were allegedly asked to sign documents framing Patidongan as the mastermind behind the disappearances.
“Isang pangkat iyan dyan, kaya nga na-relieve iyonog service director ng CIDG,” Remulla explained, confirming the service director’s removal.
News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable stories.
In news abroad, Humaira Asghar Ali’s brother, Naveed Asghar, arrived from Lahore to claim her remains and arrange her burial. Her decomposed body was found in a DHA Phase-VI apartment during a court-ordered eviction; she is believed to have died 8–10 months ago. DNA tests and chemical analyses are underway to confirm her identity and determine the cause of death, as no injuries were found.
In other news, Paolo “Paowee” Tantoco died from coca1ne effects, with heart disease as a contributing factor, according to the LA County Medical Examiner. His death was ruled accidental, and the case remains open under file number 2025-04377. Tantoco passed away on March 8 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, a day after attending the Manila International Film Festival. He is survived by his wife Dina Arroyo, niece of former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, and their three children.
Bagong feature: Tingnan ang mga balitang para sa'yo ➡️ hanapin ang "Recommended for you" block at mag-enjoy!
Source: KAMI.com.gh
